Neumann will run for Senate again
Former Congressman Mark Neumann of Nashota said today he will be a candidate for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Democrat Herb Kohl.
Neumann, who announced his candidacy on WTMJ-AM 620 this morning, lost in the GOP gubernatorial primary race against Scott Walker last year. Neumann also lost a challenge to then-Sen. Russ Feingold in 1998.
Neumann’s candidacy sets the stage for a probable GOP primary in 2012, as state Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon) and former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson also plan to run for the seat.
In an interview on Upfront With Mike Gousha Sunday, Fitzgerald said was “99-percent” certain to run for the Senate seat. Thompson has already announced his campaign co-chairmen.
Neumann and Fitzgerald are likely to split the Tea Party vote against the more moderate Thompson in a primary.
On the Democratic side of the aisle, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-Madison), Congressman Ron Kind (D-La Crosse) and former Congressman Steve Kagen (D-Appleton) are exploring campaigns for the Senate seat.
Some members of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin also continue to discuss a possible candidacy by former Bucyrus International Inc. chief executive Tim Sullivan.
Kohl announced he will not seek re-election in 2012.
Fitzgerald throws his hat into Senate ring
Wisconsin Assembly Speaker Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon) has confirmed his decision to run for the U.S. Senate seat to be vacated by Democrat Herb Kohl in 2012.
Fitzgerald acknowledged his intention to run during an interview with the Wausau Daily Herald editorial board Monday. His comments followed a previous interview in which he said he was “99 percent” certain to run.
Fitzgerald joins a Republican field that includes former U.S. Congressman Mark Neumann, who officially announced his candidacy Monday.
Former Republican Gov. Tommy Thompson also has indicated he will run for the Senate seat, but he has not officially declared his candidacy.
According to the Wausau Daily Herald, Fitzgerald said the national debt must be brought under control and “we need to start making stuff in this country.”
